CVE-2020-25178 in ISaGRAF Runtime
Summary
by MITRE • 03/18/2022
ISaGRAF Workbench communicates with Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime Versions 4.x and 5.x using TCP/IP. This communication protocol provides various file system operations, as well as the uploading of applications. Data is transferred over this protocol unencrypted, which could allow a remote unauthenticated attacker to upload, read, and delete files.
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Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/20/2022
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2020-25178 affects ISaGRAF Workbench software that interfaces with Rockwell Automation ISaGRAF Runtime versions 4.x and 5.x through TCP/IP communication protocols. This represents a critical security weakness in industrial control systems where the communication channel lacks proper encryption mechanisms. The affected systems operate within industrial automation environments where ISaGRAF Workbench serves as a development and configuration tool while the runtime components execute industrial applications. The protocol implementation allows for multiple file system operations including upload, read, and delete functions, creating a comprehensive attack surface that can be exploited by unauthorized parties. This vulnerability specifically impacts the security posture of industrial environments where operational technology systems are connected to corporate networks, creating potential pathways for attackers to compromise critical infrastructure.
The technical flaw stems from the absence of encryption in the TCP/IP communication protocol used between ISaGRAF Workbench and the runtime components. This unencrypted communication channel exposes sensitive data and operational commands to interception and manipulation by remote attackers. The vulnerability allows for arbitrary file operations including the upload of malicious files, which can lead to privilege escalation and system compromise. The protocol implementation does not require authentication for file operations, enabling unauthenticated attackers to perform destructive actions against the industrial control systems. This weakness directly maps to CWE-319 - Cleartext Transmission of Sensitive Information, which specifically addresses the transmission of confidential data without adequate encryption. The lack of authentication mechanisms combined with the absence of data encryption creates a dangerous combination that can be exploited by threat actors with network access to industrial systems.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple data exposure to potentially catastrophic consequences for industrial operations. Remote attackers can upload malicious applications that may disrupt production processes, manipulate industrial control logic, or establish persistent access points within the industrial network. The ability to read files allows attackers to gather intelligence about system configurations, operational parameters, and industrial control strategies that could be used for more sophisticated attacks. File deletion capabilities can cause operational disruptions by removing critical application files or configuration data, potentially leading to system failures or safety incidents. This vulnerability particularly affects environments where industrial control systems are not properly segmented from corporate networks, creating direct attack vectors into critical infrastructure. The impact aligns with attack patterns described in the MITRE ATT&CK framework under the T1059 - Command and Scripting Interpreter and T1078 - Valid Accounts categories, where attackers can establish persistence and execute malicious code within operational technology environments.
Organizations should implement immediate mitigations including network segmentation to isolate industrial control systems from corporate networks, deployment of network monitoring solutions to detect anomalous file operations, and implementation of encryption protocols for all communication between ISaGRAF Workbench and runtime components. The most effective long-term solution involves upgrading to versions of the software that implement encrypted communication channels and proper authentication mechanisms. Network administrators should configure firewalls to restrict access to the affected TCP ports to only authorized workstations and implement intrusion detection systems to monitor for suspicious file transfer activities. Additionally, organizations should conduct comprehensive assessments of their industrial control system environments to identify similar vulnerabilities in other components and ensure proper network segmentation practices are maintained. Regular security assessments and vulnerability scanning should be performed to identify and remediate similar weaknesses in operational technology infrastructure that may present similar attack vectors.